At Randolph Electric, we believe there is no more important investment than in our state’s youth. That’s why for 30 years, the electric co-ops of North Carolina have offered Bright Ideas education grants to North Carolina teachers in K-12 classrooms across the state.
2024 is a special year for this grant program because it marks our 30th year of funding these excellent classroom projects to further education.
Bright Ideas grants provide funding for innovative, classroom-based projects that would otherwise not be possible. Since 1994, electric cooperatives have provided grants for more than 2.5 million students who have participated in 13,500 Bright Ideas projects. NC electric cooperatives have distributed more than $14 million.
Randolph EMC has participated in Bright Ideas grants since the grant's inception in 1994. Through 2024, REMC has invested over $350,000 in grants within our five-county service area.
Proposals can come from any area of the curriculum. Projects must directly benefit students, provide ongoing benefits and use innovative teaching methods. Submissions must also align with REMC's core values.
To apply, teachers must include a budget, explain the implementation, goals, creative elements, evaluation of the project and have approval from the school principal. Applications will be judged in a competitive evaluation process focused on innovation and creativity. A link to the application and grant-writing tips can be found at ncbrightideas.com.
Applications open in April of each year and remain open through mid-September.
It pays to apply early for a Bright Ideas education grant! Teachers who submit their grant applications by the August 15 early bird deadline will be entered into a statewide drawing to win one of five $100 gift cards. Winners are announced in the late fall of each year.
You can learn more about the 2024 winners here, and teachers can apply for grants at this website.
